Indian River Lagoon
Kayak fishing the Indian River Lagoon gives you opportunities for redfish, sea-trout and snook. Dean Petitt writes on his "Fishing guide to Titusville" website that using a spin-cast reel with rod and 150 yards to 200 yards of 10-lb. test monofilament line is his choice of tackle for redfish in the Indian River Lagoon. Petitt says the river is not influenced by tidal changes, but is challenged by temperature. He recommends fishing in early morning or late afternoon in summer, and going out during spring and fall at midday when the water has a chance to warm up. Petitt uses the Zara Spook and Puppy lures with good success and strikes from redfish.
Canaveral National Seashore
Launch your kayak in the early morning surf and head out for kayak fishing along the Canaveral National Seashore out of Titusville. The seashore offers a respite from coastal development. At the national seashore, you will see only the two towers and launch pads of the space station down the coast.
Dean Petitt recommends using a 8-foot to 9-foot spinning rod and reel designed for 14-lb to 20-lb test line when surf fishing along this coast. Petitt reports success using a 1-ounce to 3-ounce pyramid sinker tied into a 2/O-size hook and a 1/4-ounce "pompano jig" when surf fishing this coast.
St. Johns River
If you feel like paddling the kayak on fresh water and trying your luck, the St. Johns River flows in the Titusville region. Largemouth bass, bluegills, Redear sunfish and crappie all call the river home, making for a variety of sport fish species to go for. Use 10-pound test and jerk-baits in the river, along with a spincast reel and rod. Use swivels off the main line when fishing with rapalas, or spoons, says Petitt.
If you are fly-fish kayaking the river, Petitt recommends using cork-bodied popping bugs, muddler minnows, and deer hair bugs off an 8 weight rod.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
